Quick Answer

The excess is the maximum amount you pay toward any single damage or theft claim, typically 800 to 2,000 euros depending on the car class and country. You can reduce it to zero by paying for Super CDW at the counter (expensive) or by buying a standalone excess-reimbursement policy before you travel (much cheaper for most renters).

Read the full guide: Car Rental Abroad: How to Rent a Car Without Getting Burned

How much deposit does a rental car require?

The deposit is a temporary pre-authorization hold on your credit card, typically around 200 to 500 US dollars for a standard car, though it can run higher for premium vehicles, debit cards, or younger drivers. No money is actually charged. The amount is just fenced off from your available credit and released a few business days after you return the car undamaged. Always use a credit card, not debit, so the hold does not tie up your real cash.

Can I take a rental car across a border in Europe?

Usually yes within the EU, but you must tell the rental company in advance and get written permission, because crossing a border undeclared voids your insurance and breakdown cover. Expect a cross-border fee of around 20 to 60 euros for the trip. One-way international drop-offs are far pricier and can exceed 500 euros, so a round trip that returns the car to its pickup point is almost always the cheaper option.

Renting for a specific trip? See what insurance a rental car in Iceland needs and whether you need a 4WD for the Ring Road , or browse the full Travel Answers hub for more quick answers.